Discover Higham on the Hill

Higham on the Hill is a linear village on a ridge. Its Main Street has several gentle bends and curves; prominent buildings and the new road layout emphasise this course and create a sequence of interconnected spaces. The street pattern, buildings and green spaces together shape the character of the place. If you choose a holiday rental for a stay combining cultural and landscape experiences, this connection offers a starting point: you can combine an interest in architectural history with time outdoors.

Village Layout and History

Higham-on-the-Hill Conservation Area was designated in April 1995. The churchyard of St Peter also contributes to the character of this area: it is a green space. Hinckley & Bosworth’s rural heritage trail describes Higham on the Hill as a settlement dating back to Roman times. The village’s history therefore brings together different layers of time: its long history of settlement and the clearly dated construction phases of individual buildings. The bends in Main Street and the interconnected spaces give the village layout a distinct theme, separate from the consideration of individual buildings.

Churches and Their Building Phases

The Church of St Peter is a Grade II* listed building. The west tower dates from the 12th century, the nave was built in 1790, a south aisle was added in 1854, and the chancel dates from 1870. This sequence spans from the medieval tower to later additions, making several building phases distinguishable. The Methodist Church also has its own architectural character: the building dates from the mid-19th century and is made of red brick with a purple brick plinth; the roof is covered with plain tiles.

Geoffrey Fisher is also part of the village’s history. He was born in Higham on the Hill in 1887, was the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury, and held the office from 1945 to 1961. His biography adds a specific historical connection to the person to the story of the buildings.

St Peter is scheduled to be open daily during the summer months; visits at other times are by appointment. Check opening arrangements before you arrive if you want a visit to the church to be a fixed part of your day.

Green Spaces and Time Outdoors

King George V Playing Field is classified as a formal park. A 2016 local authority leisure study listed facilities there for children, outdoor sports and young people. These details may have changed, so check the current situation before visiting if you plan your day around them. It may be an option for families or travellers planning outdoor sports; confirm that the facilities mentioned are available when making specific plans.

The Ashby Canal runs through the eastern part of the parish of Higham on the Hill. The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal, which runs through the parish, is used for walks along the towpath. This offers a different focus from looking at the churches: here, the emphasis is on walking by the canal. An ivy bee was also photographed on the Ashby Canal in the parish—a specific wildlife sighting alongside the built heritage.

Choosing a Holiday Rental to Suit Your Interests

Your preferred way to spend the day can be a useful starting point when choosing a holiday rental. If you are particularly interested in architectural history, the dated building phases of St Peter and the brick architecture of the Methodist Church offer different points of interest. If you would like to spend time outdoors, walks along the towpath or the Playing Field may provide alternative options; check in advance which facilities are currently available. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip, and take the relevant visiting arrangements into account when planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Orton, Buckminster, Sibson, Hathern, Hinckley, Appleby Magna, Sutton Cheney, Broughton Astley.

Return to the main travel overview: Leicestershire.